Prawns & Shrimps Export

Fishery Exports, Foodstuff Exports / By

What It Is

Prawns and shrimps are highly sought-after seafood delicacies consumed globally for their rich flavor, high nutritional value, and versatility in cuisines. While prawns are generally larger with longer legs and claws, shrimps are smaller, but both are classified under crustaceans and are consumed fresh, frozen, dried, or processed.

Nigeria and other African coastal nations have significant potential in the production and export of prawns and shrimps due to their abundant water resources and favorable climate.

Export of Prawns & Shrimps

The global seafood market places a high demand on prawns and shrimps, particularly in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America. Nigerian exporters have access to both wild-caught and farmed varieties. Exporting prawns and shrimps requires strict adherence to international food safety standards such as HACCP, FDA, and EU requirements, ensuring the products are safe, hygienic, and of premium quality.

Prawns and shrimps are usually exported in the following forms:

  • Frozen (raw or cooked)

  • Dried

  • Smoked

  • Processed (peeled, deveined, ready-to-cook)

Nutritional & Industrial Uses

  • Rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, iodine, and vitamins

  • Supports cardiovascular and brain health

  • Used in food processing industries for canned seafood, frozen meals, and sauces

  • Shells and heads are processed into chitosan and shrimp meal, used in agriculture, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and water purification

Export Specifications

General Export Standard

  • Type: Prawns / Shrimps (wild-caught or farmed)

  • Forms: Fresh, Frozen, Dried, Smoked, Processed

  • Moisture Content (for dried): ≤ 12%

  • Impurities: ≤ 2%

  • Processing: HACCP & EU-compliant handling and packaging

  • Shelf Life: 12–24 months (frozen), 6–12 months (dried/smoked)

Packaging

  • Frozen: Polyethylene bags, vacuum-sealed, then placed in master cartons (10kg – 20kg per carton)

  • Dried/Smoked: Airtight moisture-proof bags (1kg, 5kg, 10kg)

  • Bulk Export: Cartons stacked on export pallets, shrink-wrapped for protection

Storage & Transport

  • Frozen products: Stored at -18°C or below

  • Dried/smoked products: Stored in cool, dry conditions

  • Transport: Reefer containers for frozen export, dry containers for smoked/dried

Major Importing Countries

  • Europe: UK, Spain, France, Netherlands, Italy

  • Asia: China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia

  • Middle East: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait

  • North America: USA, Canada

Opportunities in Global Trade

  • Rising demand for healthy seafood options in the global market

  • Increasing use of shrimp by-products (shells for chitosan and aquaculture feed)

  • Growth of ethnic African and Asian restaurants abroad driving higher demand for dried/smoked prawns and shrimps

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